Analytical apparatus and method for automated blot assay

ABSTRACT

The invention is an apparatus and method for performing the Western Blot Assay and other assays. The invention includes a tray within which multiple samples can be assayed with a minimum of operator attention. The tray that is desirably used with the apparatus is multichambered and can be alternately agitated and drained according to drive cards and/or other controls such as electronic controls. The tray is designed in such a way that reagents and washing fluids, which are added sequentially and then cleared, do not back flow into the chambers of the tray.

This application is a continuation of application of Ser. No.08/284,281, filed Aug. 2, 1994, now abandoned which is a continuation ofSer. No. 07/926,018, filed Aug. 7, 1992, now abandoned, which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 07/448,114, filed Dec. 13, 1989, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to automated and semi-automatedimmuno-assays and methods for performing an immuno-assay. Specifically,this invention is an automated apparatus and method for performing blotassays such as the Western Blot Assay.

2. Description of the Background Art

Currently available automated and semi-automated assays are basedprimarily on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An ELISA isused to detect proteins including antigens and antibodies. Once apositive result is obtained with an ELISA, a Western Blot Assay is oftenused to more accurately analyze or confirm the analysis. The WesternBlot Assay provides a sensitive analysis, but is not currently performedby an automated means. For this reason, the performance of a WesternBlot Assay for similar assay requires many manual procedures and is,therefore, expensive and subject to human error. The operator of such ananalysis is at some risk of contact with the pathogens that are beinganalyzed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,113 to Gallo et al. discloses a method for detectingantibodies characteristic of AIDS using antigen from the virus HTLV-III.Antigens associated with this virus are specifically recognized byantibodies from AIDS patients. The detection of the antigen is performedby strip radioimmunoassay based on the Western Blot technique, ELISA(most preferred), or indirect immunofluorescence assay. This method isnot automated.

PCT Application No. 8,504,903 by Gallo et al. discloses use of a Westernblot and a competition immunoassay to detect HIV antibodies. Proteinbands are formed by electrophoresis of HIV on a polyacrylamide gel inthe presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The bands are transferred to anitrocellulose sheet which is then separated into strips. The strips arethen used as antigenic reagents in a competition immunoassay. The testcan be used in screening for AIDS. The test is not automated, and doesnot provide safety or convenience.

Gordon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,901 describes the electrophoretic transferof proteins from gels to nitrocellulose. The immobilized proteins maythen be used for the immunodetection of antigens or antibodies.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,463 to Farber et al. discloses an automatedmicrobiological testing apparatus. An incubation chamber holds multiplemicrobiological test trays. Tray carriers move the trays to aninspection station. The image on the tray is processed to determine testresults. This apparatus and method allows neither rocking of the samplesnor the automatic sequential addition and removal of reagents andwashing solutions.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,208 to Sasaki et al. discloses an apparatus thatprovides a rocking motion for samples. The primary purpose of therocking motion in this invention is to provide heat transfer. Eachsample in a series of samples has a different proportion of its wall orcontainer surface area in contact with a heating or cooling chamber.Each sample, therefore, reaches a different temperature during therocking motion. This apparatus allows temperature dependence of areaction to be determined in a single apparatus with a singleexperiment. The apparatus does not allow the sequential addition andremoval of reagents and washing solutions.

The industry is lacking a fully automated means for performing theWestern Blot Assay and similar assays that is economical, safe,accurate, and convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the priorart by automating the sequential addition and removal of reagents andwashing solutions, and the agitation of the reaction mixtures to producethe desired reactions.

The apparatus of this invention comprises a tray as a reaction vessel,dispensing means for introducing at least one solution into the tray,means for rocking the tray to assure a uniform mixture of the reactioncomponents, means for draining the tray to remove solutions whenappropriate, and control means for controlling the dispensing, rockingand draining means. The control means is designed or programmed tocoordinate the dispensing of solutions into the tray, and the rockingand draining of the tray, according to a predetermined schedule and in ahighly reproducible manner.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the reaction components is aninsoluble reaction means ("strip means") which is placed in the tray inthe beginning of the procedure. The tray preferably retains a pluralityof these strip means in separate channels.

The tray is adapted to retain the solution during rocking, but allow itto escape during a drainage step. It preferably also includes structurefor retaining the strip means in place during the drainage step.

The present method improves productivity in an analytical laboratorysince it reduces the amount of handling required. Moreover, byeliminating manual addition of reagents and wash solution, theopportunities for human error are reduced. Safety is also promoted,since the technician is less likely to come into direct contact with thesamples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the Automated Western Blot Assay apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a sample compartment in the sample tray.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the drive mechanism for rocking anddraining the sample tray.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the rocking and draining mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the sensors and positions.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the control logic for rocking.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the control logic for draining.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control components and theirrelationships.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is an automatic apparatus that can be used to performassays (especially blot immunoassays) safely, accurately, andconveniently. The automatic apparatus comprises a sample tray with ameans for dispensing reagents and washing solutions to the sample tray,a means for rocking and draining the sample tray, and a means forcontrolling the timing and sequence of the dispensing, rocking, anddraining functions of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be used in an assay for, e.g., AIDS virus-specificantibodies in sera. In such an assay the strip means bear an AIDS virusantigen. A patient's serum is incubated with the strip means. Theapparatus of this invention then dispenses a series of reagents andwashing solutions onto the strip means that is positioned in a tray. Theapparatus rocks the tray in order for the dispensed solutions to beevenly dispersed over the reaction strip. The tray containing the stripmeans in this embodiment is in a closed compartment and is incubated.The tray is canted and held at an angle that permits the solution orsolutions to drain from the tray. The apparatus can be programmed indesirable embodiments to perform a variety of rocking and drainingcycles with each cycle having a preselected period of time within whichto occur. The control logic can be modified to accommodate other assaysor other procedures.

After start-up activities such as pump priming and sample introduction,the apparatus automatically performs a sequence of dispensing,agitating, draining, and washing steps. An alarm can be provided tonotify the operator that the test is completed. Thus, constantattendance is not required.

FIG. 1 discloses the preferred embodiment of the layout of majorcomponents of the apparatus. A sample tray 8 is affixed to a sample traysupport 4 in an incubation chamber 60. The sample tray 8 is rocked anddrained by a step motor 19 about an axis of rotation 30. Solutions heldin the area 90 are pumped by the pumps 9, 10, 11, and 12 through adispenser 37 controlled by a step motor 16, which moves the dispenseralong a track 13. A programmable logic circuit 18, as well as othercircuitry and motor drive cards, control the various functions of theapparatus.

The following approximate physical specifications are used withdesirable embodiments of the apparatus. The overall length is 60 to 100cm, desirably 70 cm. The overall width 40 to 80 cm, desirably 52.5 cm.The overall height is 45 to 90 cm, desirably 59 cm. The total weight 10to 25 kg, desirably 14 kg. These dimensions provide a commerciallydesirable apparatus that can be readily used in most laboratories forperforming immuno-assays.

The following operating specifications are used with desirableembodiments of the apparatus and method of this invention. Input voltagefor the apparatus can be 110 or 220 volts. Operating temperature rangefrom room temperature to about 200 degrees Celsius. A default setting of37 degrees Celsius and an overheat temperature setting of 45 degreesCelsius are desirable.

The sample tray 8 comprises at least one and usually a plurality ofmulti-sectioned, elongated compartments, each compartment having thesame configuration. Each strip section holds a "strip means" an articlecomprising a reactant immobilized on a support. In an immunoassay, thereactant will usually be an antigen or antibody. In other assays, theinsolubilized reactant may be, e.g., a chromogen. The immobilizedreactant may be a component of a sample, or it may be a reagent whichacts upon the sample or upon another reagent (e.g., a secondary antibodywhich binds a primary antibody). The support may be fabricated out ofany material suitable for immobilizing the reaction component, e.g.,polyethylene, nitrocellulose, nylon, glass, etc. The support may also beof any desired size or form which can be accommodated by the stripsection of the tray; strips are, however, preferred.

The reaction component may be reversibly or irreversibly immobilized onthe support by any art-recognized technique. It may be bound covalently,or noncovalently, and directly or indirectly.

In the "Western blot" technique, proteins are transferred from gels to asolid support such as nitrocellulose. The protein becomes bound to thenitrocellulose as a result of noncovalent (e.g., hydrophobic)interactions. The nitrocellulose bearing the proteins may be cut intostrips and used as the strip means of the present invention. In aWestern Blot Assay, a support bearing proteins transferred to it by the"Western blot" technique are used as solid phase reagents in animmunoassay for antibodies against such proteins.

The strip means is sequentially exposed to other reaction components,such as samples, reagents, and washing solutions. At the end of theassay sequence, the assay results are determined.

The samples of the present invention may be biological fluids such assera, urine, milk and the like, or tissues which have been solubilizedfor assay purposes. The reagents may be antibodies (or other bindingproteins), antigens (or other target molecules), enzymes, enzymesubstrates, chromogens, and the like.

Desirably, the strip section is about 10 cm long and 1 to 2 cm wide andslightly larger than the strip means it will accomodate. Desirably,there are 27 compartments in a sample tray, including 25 compartmentsfor samples and one each for a positive and a negative control.

Between the first section 66 and the second section 63 there ispreferably a constriction 64 in the compartment walls. This constrictionretains the strip in place in section 66 and in the tray 8 and allowsfluid to pass into the second section 63. Other means can be used toretain the strip in place.

The second section 63 is a "dam section" which retains solutions duringrocking, but passes solutions to the third section 62 during draining.This third section, the "drainage section"may have an open end throughwhich solutions flow to a waste receptacle. The open end can be notched61 to enhance drainage.

The tray is pivoted about an axis of rotation, with the third sectionbeing furthest from the axis of rotation. The tray is gently rocked(e.g., a maximum inclination of about 12 degrees) to enable the reagent,sample or wash solution to spread evenly over the strip means and mixuniformly with any soluble reaction components already in the tray. Thetray is deeply tilted (e.g., an inclination of 50 degrees) to drain thesolutions away from the strip means.

FIG. 2 illustrates the dam section having a brief floor that is inclinedupwardly when in an operational position. This section prevents asolution from moving into the drainage section during rocking, butallows the fluid to pass to the third section during drainage. In orderto retain fluid during rocking, the angle of inclination of thecompartment first floor must, therefore, be greater than the greatestangle of inclination of the sample tray during rocking. Desirably, theinclination of the floor first is about 15 degrees and the maximum angleof rotation during rocking is 12 degrees.

The drainage section preferably has a second floor inclined in adownward direction at an angle greater than the greatest angle ofrotation during the rocking operation. This section receives and drainsfluid. Desirably, the inclination of the second floor is about 15degrees and the maximum angle of rotation during rocking is 12 degrees.The angle of inclination is greater than the greatest angle of rotationof the sample tray during rocking in order to prevent the back flow ofwaste solutions.

Desirably, the second section is less than half as long and 20 to 50percent wider than the first section. This ratio permits sample volumeto be accommodated without unnecessary sacrifice of compartment length.The third section is also desirably less than half as long as the firstsection.

The compartments may comprise a central strip section, two immediatelyadjacent dam sections, and two peripheral drainage sections, or merelyone of each type of section, depending on where the axis of rotationlies.

The sample tray is held in a sample tray support 4 that includes a meansfor holding the tray and means for rocking and draining the tray. Oneembodiment of the sample tray has notches that receive protrusions inthe sample tray support. Alternatively, the sample tray can have theprotrusions. The protrusions can be on two opposite sides of the sampletray such that the sample tray slides horizontally into place. Thesample tray can also have protrusions on its bottom portion such thatthe sample tray can be lowered into the sample tray support and held inplace by the protrusions.

The sample tray support must allow pivoting about the axis of rotation,thereby allowing rocking and draining of the sample tray. If the axis ofrotation is near the center of mass of the sample tray and its support,the force needed to drive rotation is minimized and the space requiredfor rocking and draining is minimized.

The means to permit rocking and draining can be a pivoting connection,such as an axle or hinge. If the axis of rotation is below the sampletray and its holder, the tray and its holder must describe an arc. Ifthe axis of rotation runs through the sample tray holder, but on an endof the tray, one end of the sample tray remains essentially fixed andthe other end moves up and down. The sample tray support must be able toengage the driving means for rocking and draining. Any standard couplingmeans can be used to connect the sample tray support to the step motor.

The rocking and draining mechanism of this invention is desirablyprovided by a single "step motor." The step motor rotates the tray bothclockwise and counterclockwise about an axis of rotation 30. This axisof rotation can be about a shaft of the step motor that is mounted belowthe tray. Desirably, the axis of rotation falls near the center of massof the tray and its support. The shaft of the motor alternates inrotation between the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thereby,rocking the tray and causing a solution in the tray to wash back andforth over the reaction strip. The solution is drained from the tray byrotating the shaft of the step motor to a "maximum angle" of rotationfor the tray. This maximum angle of rotation for the tray issignificantly greater than the angle of rotation reached by the trayduring the rocking operation. The drainage position of the tray isdesirably held for a time sufficient to drain the tray or for severalseconds. A motor drive card determines the sequence of rocking anddraining. The sequence can be controlled either on the basis of timeelapsed or number of cycles performed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a shaft 50 that extends along the axis of rotationand is coupled to the sample tray holder. The shaft is horizontal, andits angle of rotation is the same as the angle of inclination of thesample tray. As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 50 is mounted in a housing48. In the housing are the homing sensor 77, a first contact sensor 78,and a second contact sensor 79. Desirably, the sensors areelectromagnetic.

FIG. 4 further illustrates a sensing block 80 that is attached to aperpendicular extension of the shaft 44. The sensing block 80 isattached desirably at the point furthest from the shaft to providegreatest precision in sensing the angle of rotation. As the shaft 50turns, an arc is ascribed. The sensing block 80 is detected by thehoming sensor 77, the first contact sensor 78, and the second contactsensor 79 at predetermined points corresponding to certain angles ofrotation.

FIG. 5 illustrates the logic for the rocking cycle that first turns themotor clockwise until the first contact sensor 78 is activated atPosition II shown in FIG. 4. The angle of rotation of the shaft and theangle inclination of the tray at this point is desirably 12 degrees fromthe home position or "Position I also shown in FIG. 4." The motor thenturns counterclockwise until these second contact sensor 79 is activatedat Position III as shown in FIG. 4. From this position, one of threeoperations can be programmed to occur, depending on the controlcircuitry. The sequence of tray motion can be repeated, directed intothe homing sequence, or directed into the drainage cycle.

FIG. 6 illustrates the homing sequence that begins with either clockwiseor counterclockwise rotation of the tray. When either the first contactsensor 78 or the second contact sensor 79 is activated, rotation of thetray by 12 degrees to Position I occurs and the homing sensor isactivated.

FIG. 7 illustrates the drainage cycle that begins with the homingsequence. The step motor rotates counterclockwise, desirably by 50degrees, and remains in that position for desirably 5 seconds. The stepmotor then rotates clockwise until the second contact sensor 79 isactivated and rotation by another 12 degrees in a clockwise direction toPosition I occurs. This activates the homing sensor.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the preferred control componentsand their relationships. A programmable logic controller 18 shown onFIG. 1 can accept multiple inputs and has multiple outputs. Theprogrammable logic controller 18 monitors and controls all functions,either directly or indirectly. Power is supplied through theprogrammable logic controller 18 to all other components. Where certainfunctions depend on operator input, the programmable logic controller 18provides the logic to operate the apparatus. For example, the operatorselects the number of samples using the sample selection circuit 75shown on FIG. 7. This selection enters the program to compute thenecessary operation, and parameters of the step motor 16 that drives thedispenser 37, as well as the pumps that provide solutions through thedispenser.

Desirable embodiments of the apparatus have control means for performingimmuno-assays at different temperatures. These control means allow theapparatus to conduct a "short" assay performed at about 37 degreesCelsius or a "long" assay performed at room temperature. The timing ofrocking and draining operations for an assay varies depending upon themode selected. Motor drive cards, control logic circuits, and aprogrammable logic controller are desirably used to control the sequenceof rocking and draining with this apparatus. These control means alsodirect the solution-dispensing function of this apparatus.

The programmable logic controller 18 shown in FIG. 1 and the selectionsof the operator desirably direct the apparatus in to one of five modesof operation. The first mode of operation is the "standby" mode. Themachine is not ready to perform any operation in this mode and is"powering-up." The second mode of operation is the "idle" mode. Themachine is ready for operation and all the indicators are off. The thirdmode of operation is the "operating" mode The machine is performingeither a LONG or SHORT assay test in this mode. The machine remains inthis state until the assay is completed or terminated. The fourth modeof operation is the "halt" mode. The current process in this mode istemporarily halted. The mode of operation reverts to the operating modewhen START/HALT button is pressed. The fifth mode of operation is the"fail" mode. The machine is in this mode only if the machine overheats.The machine can be reset from this mode only by terminating the powerand allowing the machine to cool down.

Control logic circuit 74 shown in FIG. 7 and the motor drive card 73also shown in FIG. 7 provide the control logic of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Theamount of flexibility desired for the operation of the apparatus affectsthe amount of control that is provided by the control logic circuit andthe motor drive card. The operator's selection of the "short mode" at anelevated temperature or a "long mode" at room temperature affects thetiming of dispensing, the number of cycles or amount of time spent inthe various rocking cycles, the heater, and the functioning of a buzzeror other alarm.

Table 1 shows the operating conditions for the short and long assays ofthe preferred embodiment of this invention. The long mode of operationrequires 16 to 30 hours, desirably 21 hours, at room temperature. Theshort mode requires 3 to 8 hours, desirably 5 hours, at about 37 degreesC.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Conditions for Short and Long Assays                                                          Short assay  Long assay                                       Applied solution                                                                              (37 degC.)   (ambient)                                        ______________________________________                                        Serum incubation                                                                              3 hr         18 hr                                            Washer solution 3 × 5 min.                                                                           3 × 5 min.                                 Conjugate 1     30 min.      60 min.                                          Washer solution 3 × 5 min.                                                                           3 × 5 min.                                 Conjugate 2     30 min.      30 min.                                          Washer solution 3 × 5 min.                                                                           3 × 5 min.                                 Substrate       15 min.      15 min.                                          ______________________________________                                    

The apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 7 has a power supply 22 thatdesirably provides direct current at a voltage level of 5, 12, or 24Volts. An on/off switch 2h activates the power supply and automaticallypowers a fan 70 that cools the power supply.

A buzzer 69 is provided. The buzzer 69 is desirably activated in a shortburst when an assay is completed or a sustained tone when the incubationchamber overheats and the operation of the apparatus must be terminated.It can also be programmed for other patterns of sound or to sound forother conditions.

A heater 58 shown in FIG. 7 provides temperatures from room temperatureto 100 degrees Celsius. The Western Blot Assay is performed at roomtemperature or at temperatures no higher than about 45 degrees Celsius,desirably no higher than 37 degrees Celsius.

Four separate pumps, 9, 10, 11, and 12 shown in FIG. 1, are used todispense washing buffer, Conjugate 1, Conjugate 2, and Substrate.Desirably, the pumps are close to the sample tray and to the reagentcontainers to minimize waste.

Reagent and wash solutions are desirably placed in color coded bottlesand dispensed by color coded tubing. The volume of solutions dispensedto the sample compartments is desirably at least 1 ml and desirably 2 mlfor a tray having a strip section of approximately 10 cm by 1 to 2 cm.The aggregate volume of solutions dispensed depends on the number ofsamples being assayed. A desirable solution container volume is 500 mlfor washing buffer and 150 ml for reagent solutions. The approximatevolume of reagent solutions required for a complete assay of a fullsample tray is desirably about 500 ml of wash buffer and about 60 ml ofeach reagent solution.

Each solution has its own tubing and pump and its own port in a movabledispenser 37 shown in FIG. 1. The dispenser moves on a track and ispositioned such that solutions are dispensed into the strip section ofeach compartment. To avoid cross-contamination of solutions because of"clinging" drops, the ports on the dispenser desirably extend from thedispenser head on small tubes projecting downward toward the sample tray(not shown).

In the preferred embodiment, control of the dispensing is done by a stepmotor 16 which is driven by a changeable motor drive card 71 and thecontrol logic circuit 72. The control logic circuit interacts with theprogrammable logic controller. The degree of flexibility desired for theapparatus affects the amount of control that is provided by the controllogic circuit and the motor drive card.

The step motor advances the dispenser along a dispensing slide mechanism13 shown in FIG. 1. The step motor connects at the driven end 15 of theslide mechanism and moves the dispenser by means of a cord, chain, orequivalent flexible device wrapped around a drive star and a passiveend.

The number of samples for which dispensing occurs is set by the operatorin a sample selector 2i shown in FIG. 7 and 8. The number of samples isshown on a display 2c (FIGS. 7 and 8) and entered in a sample selectioncircuit 75 (FIG. 2). that interacts with the programmable logiccontroller. The number of samples affects the dispensing function, buthas no relevance to the rocking and draining functions. The sample sizeincludes a positive and a negative control and at least one sample to beassayed.

There are a variety of options available to accommodate variable samplesize with the control logic. The simplest option to perform is to makeno change. Solutions can be dispensed as if all compartments hadsamples. Alternatively, pumps can be programmable operate only for thosedispensing positions for which there was a sample but all dispensingpositions are visited. Another alternative is where only certaindispensing positions are used. The selection of an embodiment willdepend on the relative importance of time, simplicity of control logic,and conservation of reagent solutions.

Time elapsed during the operation of the apparatus is a variable thatcan be applied to govern many functions of the apparatus includingrocking, draining, and dispensing. The time elapsed is shown on a clockdisplay 2a (FIG. 7) and the clocking circuit 76 provides input tovarious apparatus functions through the programmable logic controller.The clocking circuit can be based on actual time elapsed since the assaybegan, or it can approximate the time elapsed based on the progress ofthe assay according to programmed logic and a counting of events.

Desirably, pressing a START/HALT button begins the assay. A timerrecords the time lapse of the test assay in an "hours and minutes"format. Dispensing and drainage of fluids is performed automatically atpreprogrammed time intervals. After the dispensing of each fluid, itscorresponding status light illuminates. On test completion the "END"light illuminates and a buzzer sounds. If another test is to beperformed, the END button is pressed to reset the machine. The wholecycle is then repeated.

Desirably, the programmable logic controller allows for temporaryinterruption of operation. Pressing the START/HALT button during a testrun terminates the operation of the machine. The opening of a door whileperforming a test also halts the machine. The rocker tray halts in thehorizontal position, and the heater is deactivated. The process can alsobe terminated bin in the preferred embodiment by pressing an ABORTbutton.

A variety of sensing elements can be used with the apparatus. The homingsensor 77, the first contact sensor 78, and the second contact sensor 79are used to control the rocking and draining means (see FIG. 4). Thedoor sensor 80 actuates if the door is open and halts the operation ofthe apparatus. The overflow sensor 81 monitors the level of waste in thewaste container 7.

The heater sensor 82 measures the temperature in the incubation chamber.Through the programmable logic controller, it activates the buzzer 69,if a preset temperature is exceeded, and halts the assay. The operationof the apparatus must then be terminated until the apparatus cools. Thetemperature control display 2d shows the temperature.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the automated Western Blot Assay apparatusillustrating the control and monitoring features. The apparatus has adoor 1 with a glass (shatter proof) window 1a at the front. Desirably,the sample tray holder slides out through the door when the door isopen. The interior is illuminated to allow observation of the test.

Normally, the operator is not required to attend to the machine duringits operation. The controls available on the front panel are mainly formode selection and exceptional circumstances for example, when the dooris accidentally opened during an assay. Before using the machine theoperator checks to ensure that the drainage trough and removable wastecontainer are in place. Pressing a STANDBY button prepares the machinefor a test run.

The front of the apparatus has a display unit Z which desirably includesa clock display 2a, LED lights 2b indicating process status, sample sizedisplay 2c, sample size selection 2i, temperature control display 2d,long mode/short mode selection 2e, process control panel 2f, specialfunction panel 2g, on/off switch 2h, selection button 2i, and aremovable waste container 7. The various indicator lights and buttonsare color-coded to reduce the risk of error. Desirably, warning lightsare red. Green and yellow are desirable colors used to indicate statusor function. Desirably, indicator lights and buttons are arranged tofurther reduce the risk of error, clustering them as to function. Atimer shows the time lapse, since start of the assay in hours andminutes. Desirably, the machine buttons and indicators are grouped infour categories.

The four categories of controls are: 1. STATUS/CONTROL A; 2.STATUS/CONTROL B; 3. WARNING INDICATORS; and 4. MANUAL OVERRIDES. Thefollowing is a detailed description of each of these controls for thepreferred embodiment.

The following six controls or lights are categorized as "STATUS/CONTROLA."

(1) The START/HALT control is green. This button is used for starting,halting (temporary stoppage) and restarting the assay. When the machineis in the idle state, none of the lights in STATUS/CONTROL A and WARNINGINDICATORS are illuminated. This button will start the assay and put themachine into the run state. The start of assay is indicated by the OPRlight. On pressing this button again, the machine is in the "halt" mode.This is indicated by the PAUSE light. The OPR light remains on as theassay can be restarted by pressing the START/HALT button again.

(2) The OPR light is green. This light indicates that the machine is inthe operating state. It is activated by the START/HALT button andremains illuminated until either the assay is completed or terminated.

(3) The CON 1 light is yellow. This is a progress status light. Itsactivation indicates that conjugate 1 has been applied. The lightterminates when the agitation with conjugate 1 is completed, asindicated by the END light. The light also terminates if the process isterminated.

(4) The CON 2 light is yellow. This is a progress status light. Itsactivation indicates that conjugate 2 has been applied. The light goesoff when the agitation with conjugate 2 is completed, as indicated bythe END light. The light also terminates if the process if terminated.

(5) The SUBT light is yellow. This is a progress status light. Itsactivation indicates that substrate has been applied. The lightterminates when the agitation with substrate is completed, as indicatedby the END light. The light also terminates if the process isterminated.

(6) The END button is red. When the assay is completed, the END light isactivated. All the progress status lights and the OPR light terminates.The END light remains illuminated until this button is pressed. Pressingthe END button allows the machine to operate in the idle state. Theoperator can then do another test by pressing the START/HALT button.

The following four controls or lights are categorized as "status/controlB".

(1) The MODE SELECTOR button is yellow. It selects between the twoavailable modes, LONG and SHORT. Pressing the button changes the mode.The default mode is the SHORT mode. Mode selection is possible only whenthe machine is idle. Pressing this button when the machine is runninghas no effect.

(2) The LONG light is yellow. This indicates that the machine is in theLONG mode. The HEATER ON light does not illuminate during this modebecause the LONG mode operates under room temperature.

(3) The SHORT MODE light is yellow. This indicates that the machine isin the SHORT mode. The HEATER ON light is also illuminated while theassay is being performed.

(4) The HEATER ON light is yellow. This light illuminates when theheater is activated. There is no heating under the followingconditions: 1. when the machine is idle (OPR light off); 2. when themachine is operating in the LONG mode (LONG MODE light on); 3. when themachine is in the halt state (PAUSE light on); and 4. when the machineoverheats (OVERHEAT light on).

The following four lights are warning indicators.

(1) The PAUSE light is red. It indicates that the machine is in the haltstate. The machine is in to the halt state when 1) the START/HALT buttonis pressed while assay is running and 2) the door is accidentallyopened. The machine continues from the halt state only by pressing theSTART/HALT button.

(2) The OVERHEAT light is red. This indicates that the temperature hasexceeded its preset value. The machine detects this condition andautomatically terminates the assay. The machine cannot be restarted bypressing the START/HALT button. The only option is to turn the poweroff.

(3) The STANDBY light/button is red. This light indicates that themachine is in the standby state or the "default" state when the power ison. It is incorporated as a safety feature to alert the users to do thenecessary start up procedure before switching the machine to the idlestate. Pressing this button brings the WBA to the idle state and turnsthis light off.

The following three buttons are manual overrides. These buttons havecovers to prevent accidental usage.

(1) The ABORT button is red. This button is used to terminate the assay.This is different from the halt state in that the terminated assaycannot be restarted with the START/HALT button.

(2) The OVERRIDE button/light is red. When the assay is terminatedunexpectedly, there can be some fluid left in the sample tray. Thisbutton allows the user to drain the tray. The light indicates that thedrainage is in process.

(3) The FLUSH button/light is red. This enables user to flush thereagents from the pumps. This button is also used in the start-upprocedures for the initial pumping of reagents. The button is aself-latch type, with light indication, i.e., the reagents arecontinuously pumped from the bottles as long as the switch is in the"on" position. When the light is on, all pumps activated together.

Two tones are made by the preferred embodiment of this machine. Thesetones include the assay completion tone. This tone is a short tonealerting the user that the assay is completed. The overheat tone is acontinuous tone alerting the user that the machine temperature hasexceeded its preset value. When the machine overheats, the power must beterminated and the oven temperature checked. If the oven temperature iscorrect, then the cut-off temperature must be reset using the controlslocated under the side cover.

There are several desirable features in the fluid dispensing mechanismsof the preferred embodiment of this invention. The tubing from theconjugate and substrate bottles connects directly to the dispensers inthe machine. To prevent cross-contamination, bottles must be placedcorrectly. The following color-code scheme facilitates this: Conjugate 1is White; Conjugate 2 is Blue; and the Substrate is Grey. These colormarkings are on both the bottles and the chemical tray. The washersolution is contained in the largest bottle.

Each dispensing operation dispenses 2 ml of solution to each of the 27slots on the sample tray. The minimum volume for each test run is,therefore, 54 ml for each of the conjugates and the substrate, and 486ml for the washer buffer. An additional 5 ml or more of each reagent isrecommended in every test so as to avoid bubbles when the bottles arealmost empty.

The pumps are to be pre-filled with reagents so that accurate dosage canbe ensured. To perform the pre-pumping step, the chemical bottles mustbe properly connected. A container must be placed under the nozzles, andthen the "Flush" button must be pressed. All the pumps are activatedtogether. Sufficient time should be allowed for the pumps to pumpreagents through the lengths of the tubing. After the first drops ofchemicals appear at the nozzles, the "Flush" button should be pressedagain. The indicating light in the button will turn off and the pumpingcease. The pumps are ready for the assay.

I claim:
 1. An automated assay apparatus comprising:(a) a tray having areaction zone for receiving a solution and retainer means for retainingat least one reactant strip means in said reaction zone, said reactantstrip means comprising at least one reactant for an assay immobilized ona support; (b) a rocking and draining means for rocking the tray inorder to disperse the solution over said strip means and for furthertilting the tray in order to drain said solution from said reactionzone; (c) a means for dispensing at least one solution to said reactionzone said tray; and (d) a control means for activating (i) said meansfor rocking said tray and draining said zone, and (ii) said means fordispensing, according to a predetermined schedule.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a closed chamber about said tray, said closedchamber having a heating means, said control means operating saidheating means to provide a selected temperature within said chamber. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means includes a stepmotor, said motor being operably connected to said tray.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said tray comprises a strip section forretaining said strip means, a dam section for retaining the solutionduring the rocking of said tray and a drainage section for receivingsaid solution upon the drainage of said tray, and wherein the stripsection and dam section are divided by a constriction which permitsliquids to pass between the sections but acts to retain said strip meansin said strip section.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said controlmeans limits the angle of inclination of said tray during rocking to afirst angle and the dam section comprises an upwardly inclined floorhaving an angle of inclination greater than said first angle whereby thesolution is retained.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said drainagesection has a downwardly inclined floor, whereby backflow of drainedsolution from said drainage section is prevented.
 7. A method forperforming an automated assay comprising:(a) placing a reactant stripmeans for assay into an apparatus for automated assay, said apparatuscomprising:(i) a tray having a reaction zone for receiving a solutionand retainer means for retaining at least one reactant strip means; (ii)a rocking and draining means for rocking the tray in order to dispersethe solution over said strip means and for further tilting the tray inorder to drain said solution from said reaction zone; (iii) a means fordispensing at least one solution to said reaction zone in said tray; and(iv) a control means for activating said means for rocking said tray anddraining said zone, and for activating said means for dispensing,according to a predetermined schedule; (b) dispensing at least onereagent, sample or wash solution into the reaction zone of said traywhereby it contacts said reactant strip means; (c) rocking said solutionin said tray whereby said solution is evenly dispersed over saidreactant strip means; and (d) draining said solution from said reactionzone by further tilting said tray;wherein steps (b), (c) and (d) areperformed automatically according to a predetermined schedule; and (e)viewing said reactant or said drained solution to determine the assayresult.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of heatingto provide a selected temperature in a closed chamber about said tray,said closed chamber having a heating means.
 9. The method of claim 7wherein the method is used to perform a Western Blot Assay, the reactantmeans comprising a protein antigen immobilized on an insoluble support.10. The method of claim 7, wherein the strip means comprises an AIDSvirus antigen and the method is used to perform an immunoassay forantibodies which recognize such antigen.
 11. The method according toclaim 7 wherein the reactant strip means consists essentially of ananalyte blotted onto a strip means.
 12. The method according to claim 11wherein a reactant solution is dispensed and reacts immunologically withthe analyte on said strip means.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein thetray comprises a compartment divided into a first section for receivinga solution, a second section having an upwardly inclined floor forretaining a solution when the tray is rocked, and a third section thatreceives a solution when the tray is tilted further so that the solutionescapes the second section and the tray.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the third section has a downwardly inclined floor so as tohinder backflow.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first andsecond section are divided by a construction which permits liquids topass between the sections but acts to retain a solid object larger thanthe constriction in said first section.